Circuit interrupter



Oct. 6, 1942. H. J. cRABBs CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER .med April 24, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORN E w l IN V E N TO R Herbe/ J. fabb BY J 2/ w|TNEssEsl M@ Oct. 6, 1942. H. J. cRABBs 2,297,348

C IRCUIT INTERRUPTER Filed April 24, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 WITNESSES:

INVENTOR `Patented Oct. 6, 1942 CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER Herbert J. Crabbs, Wilkinsburg, Pa., assgnor to .Westinghouse Electric Manufacturing Company, East Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application April 24, 1940, Serial No. 331,367

(Cl. 20o-125) 23 Claims.

My invention relates generally to electric circuit controlling devices and more particularly to renewable circuit controlling devices of the disconnecting type.

My invention is hereinafter disclosed particularly in connection with high voltage fuses, and has particular application where such fuses are mounted in relatively inaccessible locations such as on poles or tower structures necessitating the expenditure of considerable time for a repair man to climb such structures to replace blown fuses. My invention also finds application in high voltage fuses having ratings of the order of 60 kilovolts and upward, because fuses of this order of voltage are relatively large and cumbersome to handle, and unless their associated circuit is dead, their replacement must be accomplished by the use of so called hot line tools.

The above applications are examples of fuse structures, where the replacement of blown fuses involves not only the expenditure of considerable time and labor, but also exposes the personnel involved to considerable personal dangers. These considerations, coupled with the fact that on any one transmission ordistribution line, there may be a plurality of blown fuses especially following an electrical disturbance of any magnitude, and that it is often necessary to closely inspect each fuse to determine which has blown, and that it is highly desirable to restore service in the shortest possible time, it can readily be seen that a quick, safe and relatively simple method of replacing blown fuses is highly desirable.

Accordingly, one object of my invention is to provide a relatively simple fuse arrangement whereby a new fuse may be easily inserted into the circuit to replace a blown fuse, from a point remote from the fuse location.

I am aware that various types of spare fuse arrangements have been proposed in the past, including so-called repeating fuses; however, such prior constructions have been of relatively complex form and therefore relatively expensive to manufacture.

Another object of my invention is to provide a novel simplified form of spare fuse arrangement whereby a circuit may be quickly and easily refused.

A more specific object of my invention is to mount a plurality of fuses on a single insulator with remote cntrol means for selectively inserting at least one of the fuses in a circuit.

Another object of my invention is to provide a novel form of fuse mounting, permitting movement of the fuse into and out of engagement with respect to at least one line contact.

Another object of my invention is to provide a novel fuse construction having at least one disconnectible contact, with novel means for obtaining relatively high pressure engagement of said contact with its associated contact.

Another object of my invention is to provide novel and simplified mounting means for a plurality of fuses, so that they may be selectively placed in bridging relation with respect to line contacts.

Another object of my invention is to provide a novel fuse structure embodying a plurality of interconnected fuses, so as to permit alternative insertion of said fuses in a circuit.

Another object of my invention is to provide a plurality of fuse units, each of which includes a plurality of fuses selectively movable into closed circuit position, with common operating means for at least one fuse of each unit.

Another object of my invention is to provide a plurality of fuse units of the type described, with common operating means for corresponding fuses of each fuse unit, and with interlocking means for preventing removal of a fuse in any unit from closed circuit position unless another fuse in that unit is first moved to a closed circuit position.

These and other objects of my invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, taken in connection with the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevation view showing a fuse unit embodying spare and service fuses constructed in accordance with my invention with the spare fuse broken away;

Fig. 2 is a top plan View of the fuse unit shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1; but showing a modified form of support for a service fuse;

Fig. 4 is a schematic View illustrating a plurality of fuse units embodying my invention connected for gang operation;

Fig. 5 is a plan view of a modified type of fuse unit;

Fig. 6 is a side view of the unit shown in Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a schematic view illustrating units of the type shown in Figs. 5 and 6 connected for gang operation; and

Fig. 8 is a schematic view illustrating a plurality of fuse units with interlocking operating means for corresponding fuses of each unit.

In general, my invention is embodied in a fuse unit, which unit includes at least two fuses, one of which is intended to be normally in service and which I shall hereinafter refer to as the service fuse, and the other fuse of the unit is intended to be used as a spare fuse so that when the service fuse blows, the spare fuse' may be quickly inserted into a circuit without the necessity of having to remove the blown fuse and renew or replace the same. Furthermore, the spare fuse is preferably Voperable from a remote point so that a service man may Iinsert the spare fuse in the circuit without having to closely inspect or come into proximity with thevblownV fuse.

In the embodiment of my invention shown in Figure 1, I have illustrated one form of unit embodying a spare fuse for quick reclosing of the circuit, which unit is mounted on a supporting base member 2 and includes a stationary insulator 4 having the support 6 thereof secured to the base 2, as, l'for example, by the bolts 8. The insulator 4 is provided with an outer end cap I8 secured thereto, and bolted to the cap I6 by bolts I2 is a contact fixture I4 which is generally right angular in form, as seen in Fig. 2. The contact fixture I 4 has ne leg thereof extending outwardly of the insulator 4 to provide a terminal portion I6. for connection thereto of a line conductor. The other leg of the terminal iixture I4 is provided with a lateral abutment 2| intermediate its length, which forms a stop shoulder 22 adjacent a contact socket member 24. The contact socket 24 is apertured for the reception of one terminal of a fuse 58, as will be hereinafter further described, and the aperture in the socket 24 is shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2 as tapering outwardly. Substantially centrally of the contact fixture I4 and above the insulator 4, I provide a resilient contact clip member I8 secured to the xture I4. The clip I8 is generally U-sh-aped in form and has the opening thereof defined by the outwardly turned ends 28 disposed laterally of the insulator 4. The contact socket 24 is also preferably formed of a suitable resilient material and may be split, as at 26, to enhance the resiliency thereof.

Spaced from the fixed insulator 4, I provide a rotatable insulator 28 journaled in a bearing 38 secured to the supporting member 2, and having secured thereto adjacent the bearing 38 an operating crank member 32. The outer end of the rotatable insulator 28 has provided integral with the insulator cap 48 a stub shaft 34, on which is mounted for rotation therewith a spare fuse support 36. The spare fuse support 36 may be keyed or otherwise secured to the shaft 34 in any desired manner. The spare fuse support a material having some resiliency, and adjacent the open end of the socket I have provided a peripheral, indented portion 54, for interlocking with a peripheral groove formed on the ferd rule 68 of the spare fuse 58. The socket 52 may also be split as at 56 adjacent the outer end thereof to enhance the resilient and flexible properties thereof.

As shown particularly in Fig. 2, the fuse supporting tongue 48 is provided with a rearwardly extending projection 62 which cooperates with an integral lateral projection 64 on the spare fuse support 36, to support a resilient compression spring 66 therebetween. The projections 62 and 64 may be provided with suitable indentations or other spring anchoring means to maintain the spring 66 in an operative position. The spring 66 being under compression, operates to move the fuse 58 in a counterclockwise direction about its pivot 50, so that in the full line portion shown in Fig. 2, the fuse 58 is moved about its pivot 58 until a stop lug 68 on the supporting tongue 48 engages with the adjacent side of the spare fuse support 36. The spring 66 thereby maintains the spare fuse 58 in a position relative to the fuse support 36 at an angle substantially less than a right-angular relation.

The spare fuse 58 may be inserted or withf drawn from the supporting socket 52 by a force exerted longitudinally of the fuse to slightly separate the outer open end of the socket 52, and permit the indentation 54 of the socket to be engaged with or disengaged from the corresponding indentation in the fuse ferrule 66. The other end of the fuse 58 is provided withV a terminal cap I8 having a tapered outer end portion I2 for cooperation with the tapered aperture in the contact socket 24. The fuse 58 further includes a fuse link 59 connecting the ferrule 68 and the terminal cap 10.

A service fuse 82 is adapted to be releasably secured in a socket member 80 constructed similar to the socket 52, vand having an integral supporting tongue 'I4 which is rotatably mounted on the outer end of the stub shaft 34, outwardly of the spare fuse support 36. All of the parts mounted on the stub shaft are maintained thereon by any suitable means, such, for example,

36 is spaced from the insulator 28 by a spacing sleeve 38 freely mounted over the stub shaft 34,

' and between the spacing sleeve 38 and the insulating cap 48 I provide a terminal plate 42 rotatably mounted on the stub shaft 34. A exible shunt 44 of any desired flexible conducting material such, for example, as stranded copper wire or ribbon, electrically connects the terminal plate 42 with a fuse supporting socket member 52. The spare fuse support 36 comprises a pair of plates 46, having their inner ends in substantially face to face relation adjacent to the stub shaft 34, and having their outer ends slightly offset for receiving therebetween a fuse supporting tongue, member 48 which is pivotally mounted between the plates 46, as by a pivot pin or rivet member 58; The fuse supporting tongue 48 has the fuse supporting socket 52 integral therewith. 'Ihe socket 52 is preferably of as a washer I6 located beneath a cotter pin 'I8 or the like. The fuse supporting socket 80 is also electrically connected to the terminal plate 42 by a eXible conducting shunt 8| similar to the shunt 44. The service fuse 82 is provided with a ferrule 84 similar to the ferrule 68 of the sparefuse 58, and has a` terminal cap 86 provided with an extension 88 for cooperation with the contact clip I 8. provided with an integral hook-eye extension 8l for receiving a hookstick or other operating member.

'I'he normal closed circuit position of the parts of the unit is shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings and in full lines in Fig. 2. In other words, the

. service fuse 82 is shown in its closed circuit po- The terminal cap 86 is other means, one example of which is shown in Fig. 4 of the drawings. Thus, a service or repair man may re-fuse the circuit from the ground when the unit is mounted on a pole or other elevated structure, relatively quickly, without having to remove the blown fuse from the circuit, or spend any time in replacing the fusible element thereof. This is a distinct advantage, particularly since a single repair man may have to patrol a considerable length of transmission line, or have a considerable number of fuses to inspect, and if a plurality of fuses are blown, it obviously takes him a considerable length of time to restore service along his entire line. With the arrangement I have just described, however, a new fuse may be inserted in the place of a blown fuse in a few seconds of time, and if a plurality of fuses along a certain line have blown, service on the entire line can be restored more quickly Where units of the type described are employed, utilizing manual operation, than has heretofore been possible. After service has been restored by inserting the spare fuses in the circuit wherever needed, the repair man may then at his leisure return and remove the service fuses 82 and either renew or replace them, if necessary, reinsert them in the circuit, and move the spare fuse 58 to its inactive or open position. This arrangement is also much safer than present types o manually operable fuses because the spare fuse is preferably inserted in the circuit from a remote point, and when it becomes necessary for a repair man to remove or replace the service fuse 82, there is no danger of arcing upon removing or renserting the fuse in the circuit, inasmuch as the circuit then extends through the spare fuse 58.

The service fuse 82 is moved to open and closed position by inserting a hookstick or other operating member in the hookeye 81 integral with the terminal cap 86 thereof. In Fig. 2, I have shown in dotted lines an open position of the service fuse 82, and a closed position of the spare fuse 58. Due to the particular mounting of the spare fuse 58, I am able to obtain relatively high pressure contact of the terminal cap with the contact socket 24. This is highly desirable in view of the fact that the spare fuse is not frequently in the circuit and the contact 24 may become corroded, filled with dirt, or be obstructed by snow or ice. To obtain good contact, in view of the conditions which are apt to be met in service, it is therefore desirable, especially in View of the fact that the spare fuse 58 is adapted to be inserted in the circuit by an operator at a remote point, to obtain a relatively high pressure engagement of the spare fuse terminal cap 10 with its cooperating contact receptacle 24. This desirable result is obtained by the structure illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 in the following manner: When the spare fuse 58 is moved in a counterclockwise direction by operation of the crank member 32, the terminal cap 10 will first be moved into engagement with the stop shoulder 22 of the contact |4, and continued movement of the operating crank 32 and spare fuse 58, will cause relative pivotal motion between the spare fuse socket tongue 48 and supporting plates 46 while compressing the coil spring '66, to cause substantially longitudinal movement of the outer end of the fuse into the aperture in the contact socket 24, and into relatively high pressure engagement therewith. The spare fuse 58 may be locked in the closed p0- sition by locking means associated with the opy Fig. 1.

erating mechanism, such, for example, as a toggle lock like that illustrated in Fig. 4, and when it is desired to open the fuse, the locking means is released and the insulator 28 rotated in a clockwise direction. It should be noted that at the instant of engagement with and disengagement from the contact socket 24 of the fuse terminal cap 10, that the outer end of the fuse moves substantially longitudinally into and out of the contact socket. At all other times, however, the fuse 58 moves with the support 36 substantially pivotally. These two different motions of the spare fuse 58 are permitted by the pivotal connection of the fuse with the fuse support 38, which is in effect, a lost motion connection limited in one direction of movement under the influence of spring 66 by engagement of the stop lug 68 with the spare fuse support 36.

In Fig. 3 I have shown a spare fuse arrangement embodying the general principles of the arrangement shown in Figs. 1 and 2 but having a slightly different mounting for the service fuse. The elevation shown in Fig. 3 is taken substantially from the opposite side of that shown in However, many of the parts shown in Fig. 3 are identical with those described in connection with Figs. 1 and 2 and, therefore, like reference numerals will be used to designate these like parts. As shown in Fig. 3, the stationary or fixed insulator 4 is provided with a generally U-shaped resilient Contact clip which, instead of opening laterally like the clip |8 shown in Figs. 1 and 2, opens outwardly of the insulator 4 with the flared outer endg 92 thereof defining an opening for the clip substantially in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the insulator 4. The spare fuse support 94 shown in this embodiment of my invention is similar to that shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and comprises spaced plates 96, for pivotally receiving the fuse supporting tongue 48 therebetween. Only one of the plates, however, is extended to be secured to the stub shaft 34 on the rotatable insulator 28. The plates 86 are secured together in any desired manner as, for example, by the rivets 98 extending through the plates and through a spacer member 89 for securing the plates in spaced relation. The lower plate 96 is offset to be secured to the stub shaft 34, so that the two fuses 58 and 82 will be located in substantially the same plane. Rotatably mounted on the stub shaft 34 of the rotatable insulator 28, is a laterally extending terminal plate |00 and a generally U-shaped service fuse support |02. The terminal plate |00 and service fuse support |02 are preferably secured together in any desired manner such, for example, as by welding or the like. The legs of the U-shaped service fuse support |02 (only one of which is shown) are provided with laterally opening, narrow mouthed slots for receiving the pivot lugs |04 and positioning lugs |06 provided on the fuse terminal ferrule 84.

The operation of the spare and service fuses shown in this embodiment of my invention is substantially the same as that described in connection with the embodiment shown in Figs. l and 2. The spare fuse is substantially identical in structure and operation with the spare fuse preferably described, and the service fuse 82 is adapted to be operated similarly to the service fuse shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and differs therefrom in structure only in that it is mounted for opening and closing movements substantially in a plane at right angles to the plane of movement of the spare fuse. Also, the unit shown in Fig. 3 is particularly adapted for a vertical mounting, and the stop lugs |08 on the fuse terminal ferrule 84 are adapted to cooperate With the indentation I I provided on the service fuse support |02 to limit the opening movement of the service fuse when the same is mounted vertically. Another advantage of the construction shown in Fig. 3 is that it takes up somewhat less lateral space and requires less lateral space for its operation than does the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Also, the service fuse shown in Fig. 3 is som What easier to remove entirely from its suppe |02 than is the service fuse shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

When the service fuse 82 of .the embodiment of my invention shown in Fig. 3, is open, the fuse support |02 is maintained against rotational movement and in a position to be aligned with the contact clip 80, by the terminal plate |00 which is adapted to be connected to a line conductor. Thus if the unit is mounted .at a substation, the terminal plate |00 would be normally connected to a bus bar and inasmuch as the units are intended .primarily for high current and voltage ratings, any conductor which is connected to the terminal plate |00 will necessarily be relatively rigid, and at least have suiiicient rigidity to maintain the fuse support |02 against movement on the stub shaft 34 when the service fuse is open. A

Referring to Fig. 4, I have shown a plurality of fuse units which may be installed in polyphase systems and which may be either of the type shown in Figs. 1 and 2 or that shown in Fig. 3. The units are connected lfor remote control and open position of these links, and the spare fuses 58 will thereby be locked in their closed circuit positions. Obviously, the spare fuses 58 may be moved to open circuit positions by operating the togglelink |24 in a counterclockwise direction from engagement with the stop member |28.

Obviously, as stated above, the particular operating toggle mechanism shown in Fig. 4 could rate fuses for quick reclosing. The-two fuses unit. The fuses of each unit are shown more or less schematically in Fig. 4 to illustrate how they may be connected to one form of operating mechanism. As shown in Fig. 4, the operating link 32 of each unit is pivotally connected to a connecting operating link H2, which in turn, is pivotally connected at one end thereof to one arm II 4 of a bell crank lever. The bell crank lever is pivotally supported as at IIS on a fixed support IIB, and the other arm of the bell crank lever is pivotally connected to one end of a toggle link |22. The other end of the toggle link |22 is pivotally connected to one end of a second toggle link |24 which in turn is pivotally mounted intermediate its ends as at I 25, on a fixed support |21 formovement between the spaced fixed stop members |26 and |28.

It can thus be seen that when it is desired to quickly re-fuse a polyphase circuit, such as the i.

three-phase arrangement shown in Fig. 4, by inserting a spare fuse in each conductor of the circuit, upon the blowing of one or more of the ,service fuses, it is merely necessary to, either manually or by means of a manually controlled motor or the like, move the toggle lever |24 in a clockwise direction about its pivot to thereby move the bell-crank I I4, |20, operating cranks 32, and the spare fuses 58 in a `counterclockwise direction to connect the spare fuses in the circuit. The toggle links |22 and |24 are arranged so that in their movement in a direction to close the spare fuses 58, their common pivot point will pass over-center with respect to a line drawn between pivot |25 and the pivot joining toggle link |22 and arm |20 on the bell crank, prior to the engagement of the toggle link |24 with the xed stop |28. Therefore, when the toggle link |24 is in engagement with the stop |28, it will be in an over-center position with respect to the shown in Figs. 5 and 6 are adapted to be operated in substantially the same manner -as the spare fuses are operatedv in the embodiments of my invention of Figs. 1, 2 and 3. Therefore, either of the fuses shown in Figs. 5 and 6 could be used as the spare fuse. Both fuses provide high break contact pressures, and both are moved into and out of engagement with the circuit by an operator at a remote point. Inasmuch as the structure of both fuses shown in Figs. 5 and 6 is substantially identical to the spare fuse 58 shown in Figs. 1 to 3, I have used like reference numerals to identify like parts, and much of the description of such identical parts will be omitted to avoid repetition. Each of the rotatable insulators 28 shown in Figs. 5 and 6 have their operating crank members I3| arranged in generally opposite directions with r'espect to each other and at a slight angle, so as to be pivotally connected to a connecting link |30 for simultaneous operation. An operating rod member I 34 may then be pivotally connected to one of the operating cranks I3I to operate both fuses 58. The only diierence in structure and in the mounting of the fuses shown in Figs. 5 and 6 over the mounting shown in Figs. 1 to 3 is that the contact xture I4 is rotatably mounted on the stub shaft 34 of each rotatable insulator 28,

and is fixed to the terminal plate I 32 which in turn is held in substantially operative position by the line conductor to which it is adapted to be secured. In Figs. 1 to 3, the contact fixture I4 was directly secured to a xed insulator and maintained in a stationary position thereby. However, in Figs. 5 and 6, the fixture I4 is maintained stationary by the conductor connected to terminal plate |32, and both the plate and ixture are rotatably mounted in connection with the rotatable insulator 28 and its stub shaft 34.

Obviously, when the fuse which is in circuit y blows, the circuit may be quickly re-fused by operating the operating rod I 34, as viewed in Figs. 5 and 6, to the right, to insert in the circuit and simultaneously remove the rst fuse 58 from the circuit. One advantage which this construction has over those previously described is that no further movement of the fuse into or out of the circuit is necessary. In other words, the spare fuse now becomes the service fuse, and the fuse 58 which had been the service fuse now becomes the spare fuse and may be renewed or replaced at the convenience of the repair man. This construction also has a further safety advantage over the previously described embodiments of my invention in that a repair man, in replacing a blown fuse, inserts a new fuse and removes the 'blown fuse with respect to the circuit, preferably from a remote point, so that when he approaches the blown fuse to rethe other fuse 58 place it or renew it, that fuse is out of the circuit and consequently, there is no danger of drawing an arc when working on this fuse arrangement.

In Fig. 7, I have shown a plurality of fuse units of the type described in connection with Figs. and 6 of the drawings, connected for group operation. This may be accomplished with units of the type shown in Figs. 5 and 6 by provision of an additional operating crank |36 for one of the rotatable supporting insulators 28 on each unit,

l for connection to a single connecting link |38,

which in turn may be connected to one arm of a bell crank lever |40 pivotally supported on a xed support |42, and the other arm of which is pivotally connected to an operating rod |44 and may extend to a point of lower elevation or some other remote point from the location of the fuse links.

The operation of the arrangement shown in Fig. 7 is believed to be obvious, being quite similar to that already described in connection with Fig. 4 of the drawings. Obviously, suitable locking means may be provided for the operating rod |44 of Fig. 7 such, for example, as the toggle lock shown in Fig. 4 for locking the fuses in their closed circuit position. Another time saving feature of the arrangements shown in Figs. 4 and 7 of the drawings with respect to the quick closing of polyphase fused circuits is that with the arrangements disclosed, it is unnecessary for a service man to take the time to ascertain which, if any, of the fuses in a polyphase lcircuit has blown. All that he has to do is to insert all of the spare fuses in the circuit in one operation and he may then go on to inspect the remaining fuses under his care before returning to replace the blown fuse.

In Fig. 8, I have shown in schematic form another form of operating mechanism for fuse units of the type shown in Figs. 5 and 6 which are not, however, connected by a connecting link for simultaneous operation. In the construction shown in Fig. 8, each of the rotata'ble insulators 28 is provided with an operating crank 32, with -corresponding cranks of each unit being pivotally connected to a connecting link |48, and the other operating cranks 32 of each unit being pivotally connected to a connecting link |46. Thus, each of the connecting links |46 and |48 control one fuse of each unit. The connecting link |46 is pivotally connected at one end to a lever |50 -which is pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on a fixed pivotal support |52 and the other end of lever |50 is pivotally connected to a longitudinally movable operating rod |54. The other connecting link |48 has one end thereof pivotally connected to a lever |56 which is pivotally supported intermediate its ends on a fixed support |58. The other end of the lever |56 is pivotally connected to a second longitudinally movable operating rod |60. The two operating rods |54 and |60 are slidably mounted in spaced openings provided through a relatively fixed locking block |62. The block |62 is provided with a bore |63 connecting the two spaced parallel bores for slidably receiving the operating rods |54 and |60. Slidably mounted in the bore |63 is a locking pin 64, which is slightly longer than the bore |63 and, therefore, adapted to be received in one of the notches |66 and |68 provided in the operating rods respectively.

In the operation of the arrangement shown in Fig. 8, it is obvious that in the position shown, the operating rod |60 is locked by the pin |64 against movement, and therefore, the fuses 58 CII ' ment shown it is lnecessary to rst operate the rod |54 to the left, to insert the spare fuses 58 in the circuit whereupon the locking pin |64 may drop into the notch |66 by gravity, or in any event the operating rod |60 may then be moved to the left and the side walls of the notch |68 being inclined will operate to cam the pin |64 out of the notch and into the notch |66'in the operating rod |54. This will remove the notch |68 from the vicinity of the locking pin |64 and the edge of the operating rod |60 will lock the pin |64 in the notch |66 in the operating rod |54. It can therefore be seen, that whichever fuse is the service fuse, or is in the circuit and being used as a service fuse, cannot be removedfrom the circuit until the spare fuse is inserted in the circuit. This is of advantage in that it is thereby impossible to remove an unblown fuse from a circuit under load, assuming that only one or two of the fuses in a polyphase lcircuit have blown.

From the foregoing, it should be apparent that I have provided a fuse unit embodying a spare fuse to permit quick reclosing of a circuit following the blowing of the fuse, from a remote point, with a minimum of danger to the operator and that I have herein disclosed certain preferred embodiments constructed in accordance with my invention. I have also provided means for the simultaneous operation of a plurality of such fuses, particularly for use in polyphase circuits, and which arrangements rnay embody locking means for one or more of the fuses, or interlocks for determining the sequence of operation of the fuses. I have also disclosed a novel form 0f disconnecting fuse mounting which includes means for obtaining relatively high contact pressures for the disconnecting contacts. It should be observed further, that all of the embodiments of fuse units disclosed and constructed in accordance with my invention provide arrangements of spare fuses for quick reclosing of the circuit, wherein only two insulators are required for mounting the entire unit, and such units and mcuntings are of relatively simple construction while at the same time, being eicient in operation and economical in manufacture.

Having described preferred embodiments of my invention, in accordance with the patent statutes, I desire that it be understood that my 1nvention shall not be limited to the particular structures disclosed herein inasmuch as it will be obvious, particularly to persons skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made in these particular structures without departing from the broad spirit annd scope of my invention. Therefore, I desire that my invention be interpreted as broadly as possible, and that it be limited only as required by the prior art.

I claim as my invention:

1. In circuit interrupting means, a pair of insulating supporting means at least one of which is rotatable, contacts supported on said insulating means respectively, spare and service fuses supported on said insulating means for movement into and out of circuit closing relation with respect to said contacts, said service fuse being mounted for movement relative to said insulating means so as to be manually movable into pressure engagement with at least one of said contacts, and said spare fuse being mounted on said rotatable insulating means and having a forcemultiplying connection therewith, whereby it is Vlating means,

movableA into and out of pressure engagement with at least one of said contacts by remote actuating means acting through said rotatable insulating support.

2. In circuit interrupting means, a. pair of insulating supporting means at least'one of which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis, contacts supported on said insulating means, respectively, and a plurality of fuses supported on said insulating means for movement into and out of circuit closing relation with respect to said contacts, with at least one fuse xed to said rotatable insulating means for movement therewith, and another fuse being movable relative to said insulating means. Y

3. In circuit interrupting means, a pair of insulating supporting means at least one of which is rotatable, contacts supported on said insulating means, respectively, and a plurality of fuses supported on said one of said insulating means for movement into and out of engagement with the contact on the other of said insulating means, one of said fuses being iixed for movement with said one of said insulating means, and another of said fuses being movably mounted on said one of said insulating means.

4. In circuit interrupting means, a pair of spaced insulating supporting means at least one of which is mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis, contact means on said insulating means, respectively, one fuse being mounted on said rotatable insulating means for movement therewith into and out of engagement with respect to the contact means on said other insulating means, and another fuse rotatably mounted on said one insulating means for movement relative thereto in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of movement of said one fuse, into and out of engagement with respect to the contact means on said other insulating means.

5. In circuit interrupting means, a pair of spaced insulating supporting means at least one of which is mounted for rotation about a longitudinal axis, contact means on said insulating means,respective1y, one fuse being mounted on said rotatable insulating means for movement therewith into and out of engagement with respect to the contact means on said other insuand another fuse rotatably mounted on said one insulating means for movement relative thereto in a plane substantially at right angles to the plane of movement of said one fuse, into and out of engagement with respect to the contact means on said other insulating means.

6. In circuit interrupting means, a pair of movably mounted insulating support members, a fuse carried by each of said members for movement thereby, contact means carried by each of, said members, and each of said contact means positioned to be engageable by the fuse carried by the other supporting member.

7. In circuit interrupting means, a pair of movably mounted insulating support members, a fuse carried by each of said members for movement therewith, contact means carried by each of said members, and each of said contact means positioned to be engageable by the fuse carried by the other supporting member; said members being coupled for substantially simultaneous movement in a manner such that said fuses are moved in opposite directions with respect to their closed circuit position.

8. In circuit interrupting means, a pair of spaced rotatably mounted insulating support members, a fuse carried by each of said members for movement thereby, contact means carried by each of said members, and each of said contact means positioned to be engageable by the fuse carried by the other supporting member.

9. In circuit interrupting means, a pair of spaced insulating support members mounted for rotation about substantially parallel axes, respectively, a fuse carried by each of said members for movement therewith, contact means rotatably carried by each of said members, and each of said contact means positioned to be engageable by the fuse carried by the other supporting member.

10. In a fuse arrangement for polyphase circuits, a fuse unit for each phase, each of said units including a service fuse and a spare fuse mounted relatively iixedly and rotatively, respectively, on a single rotatable insulating support for movement into and out of engagement with respect to contact means carried by a second insulating support, and common actuating means for 'said one insulator of each unit and said service fuses.

11. In a fuse construction for polyphase circuits, a fuse unit for each phase, each of said units including a service fuse and a spare fuse mounted relatively iixedly and rotatively, respectively, on one insulator Afor movement into and out of engagement with respect to contact means carried by a second insulator, and common actuating means for said one insulator of each unit and said service fuses, including means for locking said service fuses in their closed circuit positions.

l2. In a fuse construction for polyphase circuits, a fuse unit for each phase, each of said units including a service fuse and a spare fuse mounted on a pair of rotatable insulators respectively, each insulator of each unit further including contact means adapted to be engaged by the fuse on the other of said insulators, and common actuating means for said fuses.

13. In a fuse construction for polyphase circuits, a fuse unit for each phase, each of said units including a service fuse and a spare fuse mounted on a pair of rotatable insulators respectively, and each of said insulators further including contact means adapted to be engaged by the fuse on the other of said insulators, separate common actuating means for said service fuses and spare fuses, respectively, and interlocking means for preventing' movement of either actuating means in a direction to move its associated fuses to open circuit position,' unless the other actuating means is in a position corresponding to the closed circuit position of its associated fuses.

14. In circuit interrupting means, a pair of spaced, substantially parallel insulating supporting means at least one of which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis, contacts supported on said insulating means, respectively, and a plurality of fuses supported on said insulating means for movement into and out of circuit closing relation with respect to said contacts,A with at least one fuse fixed to said rotatable insulating means for movement therewith, and another fuse being movable relative to said insulating means.

l5. In circuit interrupting means, a pair of spaced, substantially parallel insulating supporting means at least one of which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis, contacts supported on said insulating means, respectively, and a plurality of fuses supported on said one of said insulating means for movement into and out of engagement with the contact on the other of said insulating means, one of said fuses being xed for movement with said one of said insulating means, and another of said fuses being pivotally mounted on said one of said insulating means.

16. In circuit interrupting means, a pair of spaced, substantially parallel insulating supporting means at least one of which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis, contacts supported on said insulating means, respectively, and a plurality of fuses supported on said one of said insulating means for movement into and out of engagement with the contact on the other of said insulating means, one of said fuses being fixed for movement with said one of said insulating means, and another of said fuses being pivotally mounted on said one of said insulating means for pivotal movement about the axis of rotation of said one insulator.

17. In circuit interrupting means, a pair of spaced rotatably mounted insulating support members, a fuse carried by each of said members for movement thereby, contact means carried by each of said members, each of said contact means positioned to be engageable by the fuse carried by the other supporting member, and means for simultaneously rotating said supporting members to selectively move one of said fuses to closed circuit position.

` 18. In a fuse construction for polyphase circuits, a fuse unit for each phase, each of said units including a service fuse and a spare fuse mounted on a pair of rotatable insulators, respectively, each insulator of each unit further including contact means adapted to be engaged by the fuse on the other of said insulators, said rotatable insulators of each unit being connected for simultaneous movement to selectively move one of said fuses to its closed circuit position, and common actuating means for said units to actuate the fuses of each unit simultaneously.

`19. In a sparefuse construction, spaced insulating supports, contacts on said supports, respectively, spare and service fuses mounted on said supports for movement into and out of engagement with said contacts, actuating means for each of said fuses, and means for preventing movement of either actuating means in a direction to move its associated fuses to open circuit position, unless the other actuating means is in a position corresponding to the closed circuit position or its associated fuse.

20. In a circuit interrupter, separable contact means, one of which includes stop means and adjacent contact receiving means, an insulator fil rotatably mounted about its central longitudinal axis, means on said insulator for eccentrcally pivotally supporting the other of said contact means, means biasing said other contact means relative to said insulator to a position wherein it will rst engage said stop means upon rotation of said insulator in one direction, and thereafter will move substantially longitudinally into said contact receiving means.

21. In circuit interrupting means, a pair of spaced, substantially parallel insulating supporting means at least one of which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis, line contacts supported on said insulating means, respectively, with the contact on said rotatable insulating means being rotatably mounted thereon, and a plurality of fuses supported on said one of said insulating means for movement into and out of engagement with the contact on the other of said insulating means, one of said fuses being iixed for movement with said one of said insulating means, and another of said fuses being pivotally mounted on said one of said insulating means.

22. In circuit interrupting means, a pair of spaced substantially parallel insulating supporting means at least one of which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis, contacts supported on said insulating means, respectively, and a plurality of fuses supported on said insulating means for movement into and out of circuit closing relation with respect to said contacts, with at least one fuse iixed to said rotatable insulating means for movement therewith at one side of a plane passing through both of said supporting means, and another fuse being movable relative to sa'id insulating means at the other side of said plane.

23. In a fuse arrangement for polyphase circuits, a fuse unit for each phase, each of said units including a pair of spaced, substantially parallel insulating supporting means at least one of which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis, contacts supported on said insulating means, respectively, a plurality of fuses supported on said insulating means for movement, into and out of circuit closing relation with respect to said contacts, with at least one fuse iixed to said rotatable insulating means for movement therewith, and another fuse being movable relative to said insulating means, and common actuating means for said rotatable insulating means.

HERBERT J. CRABBs. 

